CHAPTER EX 



DR. KANE'S ADVENTURES IN MEXICO SKETCH OP 

 ARCTIC EXPLORATION. 



DR. KANE never recovered from the ravages pro- 

 duced by the African fever upon his system. It 

 required some months of assiduous care and nursing 

 before he became able to think again of any serious 

 engagement. The war between the United Statea 



o o 



and Mexico was then in progress ; and as his phy- 

 sical frame recovered a portion of its strength, his 

 mind regained its wonted energy and activity. He 

 could not rest idly while other men were fighting 

 the battles of his country, and winning the laurels 

 which are due to the brave. Accordingly, toward 

 the end of the year 1847 he applied to President 

 Polk for permission to join the army in Mexico 

 with a military commission. The President, after 

 some deliberation, granted his request, ordered him 

 to join the medical staff of the army, and intrusted 

 him with important despatches for General Scott. 

 He journeyed rapidly to New Orleans, and sailed 



thence to Vera Cruz. Escaping shipwreck in the 



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